Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Here’ Reunites With ‘Forrest Gump’ Team

Director Robert Zemeckis, a prominent figure in pop culture, is set to return to theaters with his latest film “Here,” scheduled for release in November 2024. Zemeckis, known for his groundbreaking work in special effects with films like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and “The Polar Express,” has had a varied and prolific career.

“Here,” described as a multi-generational drama, is unique in its setting. The film unfolds entirely in one living room, utilizing a fixed camera for an unchanging point of view. It is inspired by the best-selling graphic novel by Richard McGuire. This innovative approach allows time to be the moving element within a static environment, exploring over a century of life in an American household.

Marketing efforts for “Here” have emphasized a reunion of the “Forrest Gump” team, as the film reassembles the talents of Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and screenwriter Eric Roth, alongside composer Alan Silvestri and cinematographer Don Burgess. This strategy aims to attract the audience that once celebrated “Forrest Gump,” though it remains to be seen if older moviegoers will return to theaters post-pandemic.

With the ongoing influence of CGI, “Here” employs effects to age and de-age its lead actors, Hanks and Wright. While this technique might draw nostalgia-driven viewers, it poses the risk of unsettling audiences if not executed convincingly.

The film’s box office performance is anticipated to be in the range of $10 million to $15 million, aligning it with Zemeckis’ previous project, “Allied,” which opened to $12.7 million in 2016. The outcome could depend heavily on the film’s ability to captivate audiences through the Thanksgiving holiday period, amid competition from titles such as “Gladiator II” and “Wicked Part 1.”

Industry experts remain cautious, noting the volatile nature of box office predictions, especially for films targeting demographics less inclined to purchase advance tickets. “Here” represents both a nostalgic reunion and an experimental venture, capturing Zemeckis’ bold attempt to present a cinematic journey through a fixed lens.